TGS 44000 for 125 Group

125 Group is very pleased to announce the latest addition to our fleet of Mk3 Coaches, Trailer Guards Standard (TGS) 44000. This HST vehicle will be used to support our passenger operations at Great Central Railway Nottingham (GCRN).

44000 has been very kindly donated by leasing company Porterbrook and following road transfer from storage in Long Marston, has arrived at our operating base GCRN Ruddington. Previously the coach was in service with Great Western Railway and wears their smart base green colour. The vehicle is in good internal and external condition.

44000 was built by British Rail Engineering Limited (BREL) at Derby Litchurch Lane Works. When Inter-City 125 was first introduced in 1976, the guard’s office was located in the power cars. TGS vehicles were later added to provide more passenger capacity and to give a smoother, quieter ride for the guard. 44000 is the original TGS, constructed in 1980 to lot number 30953, unique to this vehicle.

We are extremely grateful to Porterbrook for their generous donation. 44000 joins our existing Mk3 fleet of 10202, 10206, 12087, 12092 and 12134 which have all been restored to full working condition by our team of volunteers. Meanwhile, two of our existing vehicles are leaving the fleet. Mk3b FO 11074 is departing GCRN Ruddington for pastures new. Spares vehicle TSO 12065 has been stripped of all useful components and will shortly be disposed of. To find out more and keep informed as our fleet continues to evolve, join up as a member of 125 Group!

Help us achieve our goal of preserving a production Inter-City 125 power car complete with original Paxman Valenta engine. Sign up to our monthly donation scheme HERE, which includes free membership with four quality exclusive magazines delivered to you each year, detailing our preservation efforts and with informed articles on the current HST scene.

Sunday 3rd July GCR(N) Valenta Action

The Best Looking Train in Preservation © 125 Group

Prototype High Speed Train Power Car 41001 and 125 Group’s sleek matching coaches will be in public service at Great Central Railway (Nottingham) this Sunday 3rd July. Trains depart from Ruddington at 1030, 1215, 1400 and 1545, operating top ‘n’ tail with 41001 at the south end of the MkIII coaches and class 73 E6016 at the north end. Tickets available to buy on the day, also on-line from the GCR(N) Website.

Great Central Railway (Nottingham) has something for all the family. The GCR(N) route is just under 10 miles long, passing through scenic countryside ending up at Loughborough Viaduct, which has no station but affords a great view over the Midland Mainline plus an exclusive elevated look into Brush Locomotive Works, with class 73s and 92s often visible. Ruddington station (sat-nav postcode NG11 6JS) is the base for GCR(N), with a Model Railway, rides on the Miniature Railway, plus Heritage Road Transport Collection. Rushcliffe Country Park is also nearby.

On-board the HST ‘Buffet 125’ in our Mk3 coach 10206 will be serving hot bacon rolls and burgers, hot and cold beverages plus alcoholic drinks including bottled beer. The 125 Group sales stand will also be open on the train, selling HST 40 Year Anniversary merchandise including mugs, badges and commemorative souvenir programmes from the recent Bristol St.Philips Marsh HST open day. Plus of course 41001’s classic Paxman Valenta engine will be screaming for your entertainment – we hope you can join us!